The B Conflict

Balochistan is the crux of global politics these days mostly because of its marvelous geo political location and tremendous inherent wealth. Geographically situated at the Arabian Sea, it finds itself the dead-center between trade routes of East Asia and the Middle East. Moreover nature has bestowed vast magnitude of minerals especially the natural gas which is also sometimes regarded as the economic bomb for Pakistan and prodigious amount of other natural resources including oil, uranium, copper and gold etc that worth hundreds of billions of dollars making it one of the world’s potentially richest regions. The completion of Gawadar Port with the assistance of China has also magnificently increased the importance of Balochistan in the eyes of those wanting to keep their hegemony in the region. Pakistan will surely want it to become a major trading port that will compete with Iran’s Chabahar port.

China’s primary motivation for building the port was to create a base that could be used to pump gas through a very long pipeline to China in the north. The United States on the other hand, is quite keen in Gwadar’s deep-sea port, especially as it’s seen as something they could benefit commercially from. US would want Gawadar to become the next Dubai, which could also serve as a strategic base for the United States navy that already runs an airbase in Jacobabad, as well as a commercial port to trade oil, sidelining Iran’s importance within the region.

The United States has been a strong advocate for TAPI, advising Pakistan to initiate the pipeline agreement, which would run an oil pipeline starting in Tajikistan and take it all the way to India. This pipeline would run through Baluchistan, and the United States believes that Baluchistan via Gwadar could be used to transport goods and equipment for their troops stationed primarily in Afghanistan. Pakistan has huge leverage over the United States with the Khyber Pass. Gwadar could potentially give the US an alternative route into south Afghanistan. The United States also runs covert operations in Baluchistan which they have denied against Iran. Even if Baluchistan were to break up from Pakistan, the United States would vigorously push forward in obtaining access to natural resources in the region. However, it is in the United States’ interest that Pakistan remains intact and Baluchistan remains only a province.

For China, Baluchistan’s cessation from Pakistan would be a disaster, especially after all the efforts and funds they have put into Gwadar. Gwadar is exactly what China needs – a route to the Arabian Sea, and another venue capable of supplying the country with oil in an age where there is a growing need for it. Considering China and Russia are already being scrutinized for their reliance on Iranian oil (China does not want to depend on American backed Saudi oil), a supply route straight from an ally is probably the best option for them right now. There is also heavy speculation that the Pentagon worried at the prospect of Gwadar becoming a naval base for the Chinese, especially since this could threaten their supply of oil from the Persian Gulf.

The BLA is also targeting many Chinese workers in Baluchistan, and there is almost no way that Pakistan can effectively guarantee their security without creating more military cantonment’s in the province. Seemingly, China’s best option now is to try and assist Pakistan in creating schools and higher institutions for educating the Baloch. China whole-heartedly believes that Gwadar can overtake Iran’s Chahbar port, and will be welcoming its speedy development.

India is also an interested party and has some nefarious designs of their own in terms of covert operations in Baluchistan firstly because India has really never accepted Pakistan as an independent sovereign nation, and would to go to any extent to disintegrate it once again. Secondly India does not have any natural gas reserves the majority of gas it does export comes from Iran. The completion of the Zaranaj-Delaram highway in southwestern Afghanistan though clearly shows India’s intent in creating better political and economic relations with CARs.

Gwadar also does worry India on a few fronts though. First off, from a military point of view, Gwadar gives Pakistan’s navy a strategic advantage and will arouse as one of several naval bases that are to be set up to create a larger and better-defended presence of the Pakistan navy in the Indian ocean. Secondly, Gwadar is a connecting point to warm water for Pakistan in its attempts to create better relations with CARs. The port-city can also help increase its influence in Afghanistan which is something Pakistan will undoubtedly welcome. Already being a member of the Economic Cooperation Organization since 1985, Pakistan will also want to also increase its economic ties with both Turkey and Iran. Thirdly, China has a significant strategic advantage in Gwadar’s viability, and success will mean trouble for India. India simply does not want China to increase its military and economic ties with Pakistan and barricading any possibilities would be in India’s best interests.

Afghanistan is also contributing its part to Baloch conflict. Since the Taliban have been ousted of power and the Northern Alliance has joined Karzai’s government, it’s only natural for Pakistan to feel more anxious about the happenings on its western borders. Indian officials have been visiting Afghanistan regularly to assist in pumping funds towards insurgency movement in Balochistan. Kabul has encouraged India to engage in provocative activities such as using the Border Roads Organization to build sensitive parts of the Ring Road and use the Indo-Tibetan police force for security. It is also building schools on a sensitive part of the border in Kunar–across from Bajaur.

Before Iran became an Islamic Republic it had great ties with Pakistan and the rest of the Arab world. However, since the revolution, Pakistan has sided with the United States, and relations have somewhat been strained. Iran has spent a great share of cash on developing the Chabahar port it does not want it to be ignored because of the importance of Gwadar. Both ports are only a hundred miles away from one another, and the last thing Iran probably wants to worry about is their port being isolated especially when a lot of pressure is spewing due to their ongoing nuclear ambitions. Iran is also very interested in the Iran-Pakistan-India (IPI) pipeline, which would certainly increase their revenue and also give them more control of their financial affairs. By setting up the pipeline, they will be able to directly trade with their key ally India. Iran will certainly wish for such a conclusion, as a TAPI pipeline will certainly kill their ability to trade with CAR’s and with India and Pakistan.

Whatever it is, Baluchistan will surely be the epicenter of Pakistan’s future, and it can surely revive Pakistan. For a country that virtually has no more room for failure, Pakistan should diligently work towards ensuring that Baluchistan becomes and remains an integral and united province under one country.

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“Balochistan is the crux of global politics these days mostly because of its marvelous geo political location and tremendous inherent wealth”

Well Kundi – I would not say — “Balochistan is the crux of global politics” — but its separation will certainly mutilate the very face of Pakistan.

That’s why it should not be the most neglected most oppressed province of Pakistan. Violence against the Baluch will do the same to Baluchistan it did to the East Pakistan.

http://www.facebook.com/fatehullahkhankundi Fateh Ullah Khan Kundi

Dear, there are certain other factors for sure contributing to baloch conflict which i have included in my previous articles. This article is specifically highlighting the interests of global powers tied with Balochistan.

Taj Ahmad

Pakistan army is there to protect every inch of Pakistani land,
Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh and Khyber-Paktunka are four wing
of Pakistan.
Pak.Army must get rid-off all tribal leaders, Jagirdars, Sardars
from all four provinces of Pakistan and Azad Kashmir and
North and South Waziristan.
Pak.Army, please clear Pakistani land from all these ill-minded
leaders once for all.

http://www.facebook.com/fatehullahkhankundi Fateh Ullah Khan Kundi

I think if we will concentrate more on educating our people it will require more time span but will be something that for sure will eliminate this very mindset rather than curbing it through military action which will create chaos and unrest.

http://www.facebook.com/fatehullahkhankundi Fateh Ullah Khan Kundi

You are right dear, but education in Baluchistan is very important. Baloch people don’t want all this rather they are used by their elites to serve their purposes…

M.Saeed

Baluchistan is a fossilized tropical savannah of the Jurassic Period. Extent its diversity is limitless. Every gamut of terrestrial existences ever since, were available there, till the nature decided to fossilize everything. To explain the point further, the largest and smallest mammal that ever roamed on the land of this planet were in Baluchistan. Likewise, the world’s greatest oil field of Arabian Peninsula was born and drifted from Baluchistan, clear indications of which are visible from the space. Similarly, every possible element formed by nature, is lying buried in the Baluchistan land. The only hurdle in their viable exploitation is, lack of water. Every form of mining like oil, gas, mineral and fossil mining requires extensive amount of water which is the only deprivation of the treasure land. Presently, the easiest and nearest water source is available only in Iran. That is why Iran is another target of the world’s greatest goon of very thing valuable. And, the selfish land-lords of Baluchistan unaware of the extent of riches, can sell them for peanuts.

M.Saeed

Baluchistan is a fossilized tropical savannah of the Jurassic Period. Extent of its diversity is limitless. Every gamut of terrestrial existences ever since, was available there, till the nature decided to fossilize everything. To explain the point further, the largest and smallest of all mammals that ever roamed on land of this planet were in Baluchistan. Likewise, the world’s greatest oil field of Arabian Peninsula was born and drifted from Baluchistan clear indicators of which are visible from the space. Similarly, every possible element formed by nature, is lying buried in the Baluchistan land. The only hurdle in their viable exploitation is lack of water.
Every form of mining like oil, gas, mineral and fossil mining requires extensive amount of water which is the only deprivation of the treasure land. Presently, the easiest and nearest water source is available only in Iran. That is why Iran is another target of the world’s greatest goon of very thing valuable. And, the selfish land-lords of Baluchistan unaware of the extent of riches, can sell them for peanuts.

Usman Khan Uom

It shows the entire world’s politics is revolving around Baluchistan.Still our government is not giving the province any attention. It is the prime duty of our ruling junta to properly address the mayhem prevailed in the most volatile province of our country lest we should say it is of no use crying over spilt milk.

Pakistan Zindabad

I am Balochi and except for the picture all I see in this article are a bunch of delusions and hallucinations that you usually see and expect form an undergraduate IR thesis.

I don’t want to be disrespectful of the writer and I also know being human beings our natural inclination is towards finding simple rational cause and effect relations to complex situations that relate to the irrational human behavior and after doing so feeling satisfied and accomplished and in the process the truth is vaporized because of our subjectivity.

The reality that I live in every day is worlds apart from what this article states and my reality is that even if I want to I can’t even tell you my name or my location, fear is what walks the streets here dressed as death. Now this is the cold reality that every Baloch faces every day.

Every other day a Baloch’s bullet riddle mutilated body is found with broken necks limbs missing and head and eyes drilled, now welcome mister kundi well come to Balochistan. Now let me clarify that I love my Pakistan and will die for her every day. I am a Balochi and a Pakistani and I am proud of it but when I see all this it hurts me and saddens me deeply, have you ever been to the Chaman boarder kundi sahib, afghans are freely allowed in, here they get packaged deals 30,000 thousand for national id card and passports no questions asked, they can buy land freely here now you tell me mister kundi is this the Pakistan that Quaid-a-Azam and our elders dreamed of.

Mister Kundi the reality is that for a mighty few the so called “protectors” the war has become so profitable and a quick fix that now they don’t want peace.

And to all of the office experts on Balochistan I say please don’t sit in your offices and speculate, come to Balochistan and see for yourself it is also your country and the Baloch are your people too.

Mr Pakistan

YOu can’t avoid the ideological differences and tensions and existential wars that India recurrently imposed on Pakistan several times first in Kashmir which is still a disputed territory and they are present in the valley totally disregarding the UN decrees,, in 1965, then disintegration of Pakistan in 1971, 1985 crisis and then 1998 Kargil crisis.now they are interfering in Balochistan..so how can you say that the author has biased views on India.????

Old time enemy

Who imposed on whom is a million dollor question which can be answered by any man on this world other than Pakistani who only revolves around conspiracy theories and distorted History being taught only in Pakistan to hide their failures and misadventures.Facts and figures from UN resolution to Kargil are easily available on internet .

Mr Pakistan

India is involved in all that..the only enemy who has ideological differences with Pakistan and always imposed wars on Pakistan in the wake of existential enemy of Pakistan.

NASAH

“i know everything,…” —

Kundi miaN that is a tall claim — if you knew everything tell me — did you raise your voice against the atrocities committed by the army and the ISI against the Baloch patriots — did you tell the defense establishment not to resolve these deep rooted basic issues of nationalism, neglect, stealing of Baloch resources, killings, tortures, disappearances (“Every other day a Baloch’s bullet riddle mutilated body is found with broken necks limbs missing and head and eyes drilled…), no education no healthcare no economic development no allaying of poverty — but you love to BLAME the OUTSIDERS not Pakistan itself for the miseries of the Baloch — and then you claim you know everything.

We expect from you a little more balance and fairness — and a little less bs.

A baloch

Not only we want freedom from these Punjabi dominating terrorists but would take revenge for each and every innocent killed by them.

Abdullah Baloch

Can you guarantee that Khakis and ISI are patriots? They have ruined your country and has made you blind by showing you day dreams. You have become an international fakkir and have been declared a failed and a terrorist state in the world.